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Bill > SB453
OK SB453
OK SB453Civil actions; creating the Oklahoma Expedited Actions Act; providing for application of expedited actions process. Effective date.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Crossed Over
03/12/2025
03/12/2025
Passed
05/28/2025
05/28/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/28/2025
05/28/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act ENROLLED SENATE BILL NO. 453 By: Howard of the Senate and Harris of the House An Act relating to civil actions; creating the Oklahoma Expedited Actions Act; providing short title; providing for application of expedited actions process; establishing limitation for certain judgments; prescribing procedures for removal of case from expedited actions process; establishing discovery procedures for certain process; requiring setting of trial date within certain time period; prescribing time limits for trial; defining term; authorizing referral to alternative dispute resolution; establishing procedures related to challenging admissibility of expert testimony; amending 12 O.S. 2021, Section 2702, which relates to expert testimony; modifying requirements to qualify certain expert testimony; defining terms; prohibiting limitation on award for economic loss; establishing limitation on award for noneconomic loss for certain injuries; providing exceptions; establishing limitation on award for noneconomic loss for injuries causing certain mental incapacity; providing exceptions for limitations due to certain acts of defendant; requiring findings of fact or general verdict to specify certain information; specifying applicability of provisions; repealing 23 O.S. 2021, Section 61.2, which relates to bodily injury economic and noneconomic loss compensation; providing for codification; and providing an effective date. SUBJECT: Civil actions
AI Summary
This bill creates the Oklahoma Expedited Actions Act, which establishes a streamlined legal process for civil lawsuits seeking monetary damages of $250,000 or less. The act introduces several key provisions to expedite legal proceedings, including a strict discovery process with limitations on depositions (20 hours total), interrogatories (15 per party), and document requests. The bill sets a trial date within 90 days after discovery ends, with each side limited to 8-12 hours for jury selection, presentations, and arguments. Parties can be removed from the expedited process for good cause or if they seek relief beyond monetary damages. The bill also modifies expert testimony standards, requiring experts to demonstrate that their testimony is more likely than not to help understand evidence. Additionally, the act establishes guidelines for economic and noneconomic damages, typically capping noneconomic damages at $500,000, with exceptions for severe permanent injuries or cases involving reckless, fraudulent, or intentional misconduct. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to provide a faster, more efficient legal process for smaller civil claims.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Approved by Governor 05/27/2025 (on 05/28/2025)
Official Document
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